“Scowen scores screamer to sink Barnsley” – QPR 1 Barnsley 0 – Match Report

Josh Scowen, once the saint and now the scourge of Barnsley. He left the Yorkshire club in the summer to come south to Rangers and whilst he has been a big success and an ever present for his new club in his holding midfield role, he has yet to score. Until yesterday that is.

This was some goal. A goal definitely worth waiting for, as he curled a delicious shot into the top corner from 25 yards out. A goal worthy to win any match let alone a rather turgid affair between two teams struggling in the lower reaches of the Championship and palpably lacking in confidence.

Ultimately Rangers probably deserved to take the spoils for their much improved second half performance, plus that goal. Conor Washington really should have added to the home side’s tally but, for all his commitment  and endeavour, he really does come up woefully short in his finishing and as a result the  home supporters were left biting their finger nails until the final whistle blew.

Their case was not helped by the straight red card given to substitute Ryan Manning within moments  of coming on in the 70th minute for a very rash two footed lunge. However,  Barnsley did not really have the  attacking prowess or skill to breakdown the resolute Rangers rearguard, who were aided by the welcome return to action of James Perch,  and ultimately they held out relatively comfortably.

A big win for Rangers in the context of their season and these three points against one of their closest rivals certainly gives them some breathing space. For Barnsley, one point and one place above the relegation places, the battle goes on.